The program honors the memory of Susan Sargent and is inspired by her visit to the National Comedy Center with her husband and caregiver, Mitch Goldman. Together, they faced the profound challenges of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which affected Susan’s ability to communicate and connect. During their visit, classic comedy and the museum’s interactive exhibits prompted memories and speech, creating moments of joy, shared laughter and recognition and providing a needed source of respite for them both.
That experience became the foundation for the National Comedy Center’s Comedy & Caregiving initiative. Working together, Mitch and the Comedy Center are creating opportunities for other caregivers and care recipients to experience the connection he and Susan found through comedy. Contributions made in Susan’s memory are making this new week possible.
“Visiting the National Comedy Center was an extraordinary experience for Susan and me,” said Goldman. “At a time when conversation had become difficult, laughing together brought back memories and gave us a way to connect. I treasure those moments, and it means a great deal to me that this program will help other caregivers and their loved ones find that same joy and connection. I know Susan would have loved that.”
During Susan Sargent Caregiver Week, caregivers can explore the museum’s immersive exhibits with the loved one receiving their care or enjoy a visit on their own, with an experience personalized to each visitor’s sense of humor. The invitation welcomes caregivers supporting loved ones through any illness, disability or other condition requiring care.
“Caregiving can leave little room to simply enjoy being together,” said Journey Gunderson, National Comedy Center Executive Director. “Susan and Mitch’s experience inspired us to think about how comedy can help create that space – for laughter, connection and relief from the demands of caregiving. Supporting the mental health and wellness of caregivers and those receiving care is at the heart of this initiative. Working with Mitch, we’re honoring Susan by welcoming others to experience that connection, while giving them practical ways to bring comedy into their lives each day outside of the museum.”
“Having been a caregiver for my own parents, I know how much those moments of laughter and connection can mean,” said comedian and National Comedy Center Advisory Board member Lewis Black. “Caregiving can be hard, and being able to laugh with someone you love matters. I’m proud that the National Comedy Center is honoring Susan’s memory by helping other caregivers and their loved ones find those moments together.”
Beyond the museum experience, participants will receive a take-home package of resources exploring how comedy can encourage connection, release tension and help reduce stress, supporting the mental health and wellness of everyone involved in a caregiving relationship. The package will also offer practical ways to incorporate comedy into everyday care, helping participants make shared laughter a continuing part of their care journeys.
The initiative builds on the success of the National Comedy Center’s One Laugh at a Time Memory Cafe, a free monthly program for individuals experiencing memory loss and their caregivers. Since its launch in 2025, the Memory Café has brought participants together through comedy, conversation and shared activities, providing opportunities for social connection and caregiver respite. The program, originally established with a grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, has earned two Gold Anthem Awards for Corporate Social Responsibility and Local Community Engagement, as well as a 2026 New York State Tourism Excellence Award for Tourism Equity & Inclusion.
